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Teeth Whitening Trends

Coconut oil, charcoal, hydrogen peroxide. We’ve all seen those trendy teeth whitening methods appearing all over the place, but do they actually work? And, more importantly, are they safe to use? At Northalsted Dental Spa, our dentist in Lakeview will walk you through the three most popular fads.

Coconut Oil

Some claim coconut oil will offer you many benefits, including whiter teeth. The process is called oil pulling, in which you take a teaspoon or so of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for about 20 minutes. Although this has no negative effect on your teeth, there is no proof that it actually whitens them.

Charcoal

Charcoal is the most talked-about teeth whitening trend today. According to beauty bloggers everywhere, just brush with activated charcoal three times a week for a Hollywood-ready smile. However, dentists aren’t sold. Due to the abrasive properties of charcoal, brushing with it may lead to enamel deterioration and tooth erosion. While this may be an effective short-term solution, it could cause long-term damage.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This one’s a winner! According to the American Dental Association, hydrogen peroxide not only helps kill the bacteria responsible for gum disease, it also whitens your teeth. You will find hydrogen peroxide in toothpaste and professional whitening treatments. When used as directed, it can also be a safe, at-home whitening treatment.

No matter what whitening method you try, it is always a good idea to talk to your dentist in Lakeview before you begin using it on your teeth.